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Former OSU receiver Justin Blackmon suspended four games by the NFL

Former Oklahoma State star receiver and current Jacksonville Jaguar Justin Blackmon has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Former Oklahoma State star receiver and current Jacksonville Jaguar Justin Blackmon has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) rushes against New Orleans Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Friday, Aug. 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)

How Blackmon violated the policy is confidential, but a player must be a repeat offender to be suspended.

“I've made a mistake and I have no excuse,” Blackmon said in a statement released by the Jaguars. “I am truly sorry and disappointed in myself for putting the Jaguars in this situation, and I look forward to putting this behind me and maturing and growing as a person.”

The suspension was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Coach (Gus) Bradley and I have spoken with Justin, and he is well aware of our disappointment,” Jaguars general manager David Caldwell said in a statement. “I don’t think there is any question that Justin is embarrassed and remorseful, and Coach Bradley and I are both confident he understands the obligations ahead of him, to himself, the franchise and the fans.

“We will support him throughout the process and continue to work to educate him and all of our players on making the right decisions.

This suspension is the latest in a recent string of off-the-field troubles for Blackmon, which includes two alcohol-related incidents in the past two years.

He was arrested in 2010 on a misdemeanor DUI complaint in Carrolton, Texas while returning to Oklahoma from a Dallas Cowboys game. He was suspended for one game for that arrest.